After finishing the meal, Ning Xian didn’t clear the dishes immediately.
She hesitated for a moment and said to Fang Xuan, "Junior Brother, wait a moment."
She turned and went into the inner room, followed by the rustling sound of her rummaging through things.
Fang Xuan watched with curiosity; after a short while, Ning Xian came out holding a long, narrow wooden box that looked quite old.
The surface of the wooden box was covered with a thin layer of dust, and the corners showed signs of wear.
"This... is for you."
Ning Xian placed the wooden box on the stone table and pushed it toward Fang Xuan, her expression a bit awkward.
"It’s not anything precious. I’ve kept it for a long time without any use... Since you’re just starting your training in the way of the sword, you might find it useful. Consider it... a thank-you gift, and a meeting gift as well."
Fang Xuan’s heart stirred, but he took the wooden box without showing any emotion on his face; could anything given by a female lead be simple?
The sword box was heavy in his hands, and the wood felt warm and smooth—definitely not an ordinary item.
He gently released the clasp and lifted the lid.
The box was lined with a faded long cloth, and upon it lay a sheathed longsword.
At first glance, it looked like the most ordinary longsword, the kind that would attract no attention even if left in a weapon shop.
But Fang Xuan remembered; this was a dao-grade holy weapon! And a growth-type one at that!
Never mind that, this immense windfall... no, wait, he, Fang Xuan, would accept this difficult task of safekeeping!
However, he had to test the waters first, fearing he might get entangled in some karma; items from a female lead weren't so easy to take.
Especially from this kind of great love template female lead who enjoyed refining people in an instant.
He coughed twice and picked up the heavy black longsword; it felt good in his hand, even heavier than it looked.
"Senior Sister, this is too precious..."
"I only did what was my duty, how can I accept such a generous gift from you? This sword... it looks quite old. It must be a cherished possession of yours, right?"
Ning Xian shook her head, her gaze toward the sword somewhat complicated. "It isn’t a cherished possession. I picked it up by chance at the edge of some ancient ruins during an expedition in my early years."
"At the time, I only felt the material was unique. Although it had no spiritual light, it was exceptionally sturdy, so I brought it back."
"Unfortunately, whether I injected spiritual energy or tried to bind it through blood, there was no reaction. Other than being extraordinarily sharp, it truly is useless."
She paused and looked at Fang Xuan. "Since you need to practice the sword, it’s... the only thing I can offer right now."
Although she spoke calmly, Fang Xuan could hear the embarrassment and helplessness beneath her tone.
She truly believed she couldn't offer anything decent and was only giving this "picked-up scrap iron" to show her sincerity.
Fang Xuan stopped declining and solemnly picked up the sheathed sword, placing it back in the box. "In that case, I will accept it with gratitude. Thank you, Senior Sister, for the sword! This sword... I like it very much."
Seeing him accept it, Ning Xian seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, and the expression on her face softened.
"As long as you like it."
...
In the afternoon, it was time for sword practice.
A small patch of open ground in front of the bamboo hut had been cleared.
Fang Xuan changed into training attire that was easier to move in, holding the dull, dark ancient sword.
Ning Xian had also changed into a set of plain, old clothes, standing not far from his side.
"The Qingyun Sword Scripture is the basic sword technique studied by the disciples of the Qingyun Sect. It has twelve forms in total, emphasizing intent over form; it focuses on the coordination of spiritual energy flow and sword strikes. It is balanced and upright, serving as the foundation for many higher-level sword arts later on."
Ning Xian’s voice returned to its cold, clear tone as she began her explanation.
"I will first demonstrate the basic movements and the flow of spiritual energy for the first four forms. Watch closely..."
She had no sword in her hand; she simply held her fingers like a sword and moved them slowly through the air.
Fang Xuan watched very intently.
Although he had the memories of the original body and a cultivation level at late-stage Foundation Establishment, he was truly clueless about sword techniques.
The original Fang Xuan was a scion of the direct lineage, with resources piled up in his early stages, focusing more on cultivation level and family techniques; he hadn't delved deep into the way of the sword.
Listening to Ning Xian’s explanation now, he felt that the Qingyun Sword Scripture indeed had its merits, laying an extremely stable foundation.
After the demonstration, Ning Xian looked at him. "Did you remember it, Junior Brother? Why don't you try the first two forms?"
Fang Xuan nodded and followed her example, assuming the opening stance.
Then, according to the movements in his memory and the spiritual energy paths Ning Xian described, he began to practice.
It was very simple, or perhaps his own talent was indeed very high.
But as for the result... naturally, he had to take it slow.
He pretended his movements were stiff and awkward, and the flow of spiritual energy was either too fast or too slow, completely out of sync with the sword forms. He looked like he was waving around a fire poker.
The black sword in his hand seemed even more clumsy and uncooperative.
Ning Xian frowned slightly as she watched.
Wasn't this junior brother's talent extremely high? How could his sword foundation be... so poor?
"Junior Brother, your wrist needs to drop another three inches. Do not be impatient."
Ning Xian took a step forward and spoke up to correct him.
Fang Xuan adjusted as told, but it was still awkward.
Seeing that his movements still lacked the proper technique, Ning Xian hesitated for a moment before finally stepping closer.
"Pardon me," she said softly, then extended her slender, fair fingers and lightly rested them on Fang Xuan’s wrist as he held the sword.
"Here, the spiritual energy needs to flow like this..."
Ning Xian’s voice sounded in his ear, calm and steady.
She guided the flow of spiritual energy within Fang Xuan’s body while her other hand gently supported his elbow.
"Do not let your arm become rigid. Stay relaxed but firm."
Fang Xuan caught a faint, cold fragrance from her, mixed with the lingering scent of smoke from her cooking earlier.
He adjusted his posture and spiritual energy according to her guidance, and his movements indeed became much smoother.
He hadn't expected that someone so slender would feel... so steady when she moved closer.
He really liked this teaching method.
Under Ning Xian’s hands-on correction, Fang Xuan finally managed to perform the first two forms with some semblance of skill.
Next, it was Ning Xian’s turn to demonstrate more complex sword forms.
Even though she had lost all her cultivation, the memory of the sword forms and her body’s muscle memory remained.
She picked up a long, thin bamboo branch to substitute for a sword and began to practice the Qingyun Sword Scripture...
However, she was after all only newly recovered from a serious injury, hadn't been active for a long time, and lacked the support of spiritual energy.
After practicing for less than half a shichen, fine beads of sweat appeared on her forehead, and her breathing became somewhat labored.
A few stray hairs were dampened by sweat, clinging to her neck.
Fang Xuan quickly called for a stop. "Senior Sister, let’s take a break. You’ve just recovered; you shouldn't overexert yourself."
Ning Xian also knew her limits and stopped readily. She wiped her sweat with her sleeve and walked over to sit at the stone table.
Fang Xuan went inside to pour some water, found some wild tea she had dried herself, and deftly boiled water to brew a pot.
The tea was clear and bright, with a fragrance like bamboo leaves.
The two sat opposite each other drinking tea, silent for a while, with only the rustling of the wind through the bamboo leaves.
Fang Xuan peeked at Ning Xian.
She looked very peaceful while drinking tea, and her profile appeared much softer in the afternoon light.
Her long eyelashes were lowered, and there were still tiny, undried beads of sweat on the tip of her nose.
Watching her like this, it was hard to imagine that in the future, she would be that terrifying existence who could refine myriad living beings with a wave of her hand.
His mind began to work.
Their relationship had progressed, and the timing seemed... just about right.
He set down his teacup and cleared his throat. "Senior Sister, there’s something... I’d like to discuss with you."
"Mm?" Ning Xian looked up at him.
"The peak lord ordered me to study with you for these two months. My courtyard is halfway down the mountain, and traveling up and down every day wastes a lot of time."
Fang Xuan poured some tea, maintaining a serious expression as if he were greatly concerned with the efficiency of his training.
"Moreover, if I have questions about sword theory, I can't always come running to disturb you..."
"I see that there are still several empty bamboo huts in this valley, Senior Sister... I wonder if I could move in for a short stay? That way, it would be convenient to ask for guidance in the mornings and evenings, and I could focus entirely on studying with you."
After speaking, he watched Ning Xian’s reaction.
This request was a bit presumptuous, but he had to make it.
Being close would provide more opportunities for training.
And he truly did like this place; it was quiet.
Ning Xian obviously hadn't expected him to make this request. She was stunned for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly around her teacup.
Her first instinct was to refuse.
One more person... and a junior brother she hadn't known for long, she just felt...
But Fang Xuan’s reasoning was very sound.
The peak lord’s command, the efficiency of training... and his eyes looked clear, his attitude sincere.
More importantly, he had saved her last night and... was quite good at cooking?
"Ah? Okay... alright then."
Ultimately, under Fang Xuan’s expectant gaze, Ning Xian gave a slight nod, though the tips of her ears turned a bit red again.
"The two bamboo huts to the east are empty. No one has ever lived there. They might need some cleaning. If you don't mind the simplicity, Junior Brother... then pick one for yourself."
...
It was getting late.
After greeting Ning Xian, Fang Xuan used his movement technique and dashed toward his own residence down the mountain.
He had to move quickly before she changed her mind.
Living together with Senior Sister on the second day—who else could achieve such progress?
The die was cast.
From now on, living in close quarters and spending time together day and night, wouldn't his great cause of training flourish?
A full imperial feast was beckoning him.
...
Returning to his disciple room halfway down the mountain, he barely needed to pack.
He didn't have many things to begin with, aside from a few sets of clothes, the basic supplies provided by the sect, and a large amount of personal savings.
He tied up a simple bundle, glanced around the room where he had stayed for one night, and left without any lingering attachment.
...
By sunset, he had already returned to Ning Xian’s valley.
Ning Xian was watering the few remaining herbs in the herb garden when she saw him rushing back with a small bundle on his back.
Fang Xuan had a clear goal, naturally choosing the hut closest to Ning Xian’s main room.
Ning Xian had wanted to help, but she was persuaded to go back by him with the excuse that "Senior Sister has just recovered and should rest more; I can handle this small task myself."
She stood in front of her own room, watching the boyish figure busy himself in the glow of the setting sun and listening to the sounds of sweeping coming from the bamboo hut.
Suddenly, she felt that this valley, which had been quiet for so long, seemed... to have truly become a bit different.
She didn't know if this change was good or bad.
But at this moment, looking at that bamboo window lit by the warm glow of a candle, the cold, desolate place in her heart seemed to be slightly warmed.
...
Fang Xuan hummed a tuneless little song while cleaning the room, thinking happily to himself.
The road of training is long and arduous; I shall seek it high and low...
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